Misunderstanding

Description

When you say something that others do not like, point out that they have
misunderstood you, interpreting your words to mean something else.

Alternatively, when you have done something that is not what was wanted, you
can claim that you misunderstood their desires.

Do this with patience, showing that you want to both understand and be
understood.

Example

No, that wasn't what I meant. Let me rephrase it.

I think you've got the wrong end of the stick. I guess it's
easy to misunderstand.

Why would you think that of me? You're mind-reading again.
Let me explain again in words of one syllable...

Discussion

When we speak, we use far less words than we might if we were to explain our
intent in full detail. This makes it easier for others to misunderstand. The
limitations and complexity of language
also contributes to this problem.

We all know that we misunderstand (and, particularly, are misunderstood),
which make this excuse easier for others to accept.

When we listen to others, we form a
theory of mind
about them, guessing how they think. We then use this as filter when we are
figuring out what they really mean when they speak. The same principle applies
when we watch them act.

When others misunderstand, it can help them get to a state where they want
to understand if you first act in an understanding way.